Idea Corner

Custom Bay Window Seat

Maybe you’re looking to add some seating to your living room. Or maybe you want to sit comfortably, drink your morning coffee and look out the window at the morning sky. No matter what your reason, a window bench seat can be a great addition to your home. To build your own may take a few days, but it is a creative solution for any room in your home.

This kitchen bay window, was wasted space until it was transformed in to a custom bay window seat.

Before getting started on your project, you will have to run a few errands for supplies. You will need some 1/4″ and 1/2″ plywood boards and several pressure treated 2X4’s for the frame and supports. Hardware for the storage drawer, white paint and paint brushes will also be required. For the cushion, you will need pre-cut memory foam and a durable fabric of your choosing.

First you should lay your first 2X4 on the outer edge of where your window seat will be. You will want to make sure that it is securely attached to the floor as it will be providing much of the support for the bench. Then you will want to cut the remaining 2X4’s to size to form the frame. This requires 3 other boards to frame the floor area by the window. Using an impact drill and wood screws, you should attach 8 boards vertically to meet the window sills, 3 boards to frame the window sills and another 4 boards to provide support for the cushion.

After the supports are all in place, you will want to use a circular and miter saw to fit the plywood boards of both the top and front of the seat. You will want to cut out 2 squares for the storage underneath the seat. You will want to add wood filler in the storage areas as well for more support.

For a more clean cut look, you can attach trim to the top and bottom of the window seat. Then you can start applying paint of your choosing, though I would suggest matching it to the color of the windows in your home.

Finishing corners adds style and elegance to any remodeling project. A trim joining the base with the floor creates a beautiful finishing touch.

To finish up the project, you will add the door to the storage area. Attach the door to your window seat and screw in the hardware you bought earlier in the process. After upholstering the memory foam with the fabric you chose, you place it on top the seat. For added protection, spray some waterproofing solution on the cushion.

Though not for the faint of heart, this is a project doable even for the novice DIY-er. For a step-by-step guide on this project, check out Reddit user JacobVandagriff ‘s imgur album.

And for your more intense home projects, call Chicago Handyman for low prices for all your home improvement needs.